Check out the latest on Sidney Crosby, Evander Kane and Martin Necas plus some recent Flyers speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
WHAT’S THE LATEST ON CROSBY’S CONTRACT EXTENSION?
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski wondered what’s happening with contract extension talks between the Penguins and captain Sidney Crosby. He noted that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas and Crosby have stated those discussions would be kept private, but neither side has yet used the phrase, “optimistic”.
Kingerski speculates the direction of the team might account for why Crosby hasn’t re-signed yet. Perhaps the Penguins captain sees Dubas’ recent signings and wonders if sticking around is worthwhile.
TORONTO STAR: Nick Kypreos noted that “eyebrows were raised” when the Penguins didn’t announce a new contract for Crosby on July 1. He wrote that conversations are ongoing but there’s no rush on Crosby’s side. “Read into that however you want.”
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s not surprising Crosby hasn’t signed yet. Sometimes, these things take time. The direction of the team could be a factor. Dollars and terms still have to be sorted out.
They’ve got the entire summer and training camp in September to sort this out. Start worrying if he hasn’t inked an extension by the season opener in October.
COULD THE OILERS ATTEMPT TO TRADE EVANDER KANE?
EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cited Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer weighing in on speculation the Oilers could try to move winger Evander Kane in a cost-cutting trade.
Kane, 32, has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.125 million. He also carries a full no-movement clause until Feb. 28, when it becomes a 15-team no-trade list. The Oilers must free up $2.5 million to become cap-compliant before their season opener in October.
“You just can’t snap your fingers and move out Evander Kane,” said Stauffer. Staples noted TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reporting on Monday that the Oilers haven’t approached the winger about waiving his NMC.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Kane is willing to waive his clause now it will only be for a limited number of clubs. Those teams could be unwilling to take him on due to his reputation as a troublemaker or his cap hit.
The Oilers will have to consider other options to shed salary before October. Cody Ceci, Brett Kulak and Ryan McLeod have been mentioned as trade candidates.
HURRICANES WERE CLOSE TO MOVING MARTIN NECAS TO COLUMBUS
THE HOCKEY WRITERS’ Mark Scheig recently cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli claiming the Carolina Hurricanes had a potential deal that would’ve sent Martin Necas to the Columbus Blue Jackets during the recent NHL Draft. However, the 25-year-old winger wouldn’t sign a contract extension with the Jackets. “The deal died right there and I think it involved the number four pick”, said Seravalli.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets used that pick to select promising center Cayden Lindstrom. It’s not surprising the Jackets and Hurricanes discussed a Necas deal. Jackets general manager Don Waddell was the Hurricanes GM until stepping down in late May to take on his current job.
FLYERS NOT DONE MAKING MOVES?
THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz reports the Philadelphia Flyers could still make some moves this summer after signing Matvei Michkov to his entry-level contract.
Flyers GM Daniel Briere left open the possibility of a trade or two. He’s had discussions with several teams “on a few different things.” If nothing happens in the next week, Briere suggests the current roster will be what we see in training camp in September.